Definition of disruptive

The word "disruptive" has its roots in the 17th century. It originally meant "of or characterized by disruption," which is derived from the Latin words "dis" meaning "apart" and "rupt" meaning "broken" or "torn". Initially, the term referred to breaking or interrupting a continuous process or a peaceful state of affairs. In the 20th century, the term gained a new connotation in the field of physics and engineering, where it described a phenomenon where a sudden and significant change occurs in a system, often resulting in a new state or pattern. This concept was later applied to other fields, such as business and economics, to describe innovations or changes that challenge existing power structures and traditional ways of doing things. In recent years, the term "disruptive" has become popular in entrepreneurship and innovation, referring to startups and companies that challenge the status quo and transform industries with new technologies, business models, or products.